Festivities of The People of Madhya Pradesh

The Adivasis (tribals) of MP are the dominant population
of the state. They too have great zealot for life an during the festival
season they are drenched in the religious fervor and cultural ambiance.
Dresses in their typical attire comprising of paradigmatic ornaments and
colorful costumes one can find the herds of tribes moving towards the site
where a particular fair is held. Just like any other place in India Madhya
Pradesh too has co existence of many religion and hence witness the
celebration of varied festivals. There are religious as well as tribal
festivals. Religious festivals include Dussehra, Diwali, Id, Jain
Festivals and Christmas, while Tribal festivals comprise Madai, Bhagoriya,
and Karba. The festivity in different tribes are carried out in their own
manner. Some of the activities that people indulge in are cock fighting,
drinking, carefree revelry , dancing and singing. The spirit of democracy
and most importantly the respected status of women is well respected in
the festivals celebrated in the state.

Bhagoria Haat

Celebrated mainly by the Bhils and the Bhilalas tribes
it is a very colourful festival particularly in the west region of Nimar
and Jhabua. Held in the month of March it is celebrated basically as a
mass Swamvara (custom of choosing one's own groom), where the couple elope
after choosing their partners and on return are acknowledged as husband
and wife after performing the predetermined rituals. The boy shows his
consent by applying Gulal (powdered colour) on the face of the girl and
the girl responds in the similar fashion, if willing. They then elope. The
name Bhagoria, which means Bhag (run), is the evidence of the fact.
Sometimes the festival only acts as a institutionalised framework for
proclamation of the already made alliance.

As far as the legend is concerned this festival was earlier considered to
be an opportunity to settle old conflicts and was sometimes converted into
a battleground. This practice has become obsolete with the coming of law
and order in the state. It is a series event marked a week before the
onset of Holi and fairs are held in many villages. This festival is also
regarded as the harvest festival as the harvesting of crops is done during
that time.

Madai

The land stretching from Mandla to Bastar regions of the
state are the home to the festival of Madai. The uniqueness of the
festival lies in the coming of the Gonda tribes from far off to this place
in order to meet their consanguinean and also to purchase the grub for the
corresponding year. Narayanpur in Bastar is the most popular destination
for this festival. Goats are sacrificed by the devotees and carried around
the whole village. Madia is the corroborator of various music and dance
forms that are performed by the tribals. A lot of singing is done and the
beating of the drum is an essential activity. This festival is celebrated
in the third or fourth week of February.

Diwali As Celebrated in Madhya Pradesh

Dussehra

elebrated by the Hindus all over the world and the aura
of this festival in the village of Jagdalpur is an experience in itself.
The celebration of Dussehra is unique and unconventional in its
significance. Celebrated in remembrance of Rama's victory over Ravana,
this festival falls on the tenth Day of Navratara in September or October.
The important feature of this festival is the affinity between the people
irrespective of the caste, creed that is prevalent. Though this festival
is devoted exclusively to Goddess Durga, various other deities are also
acknowledges and worshipped. There is a dash of local version into the
mythology of the festival in the Bastar community. Here the chief of the
tribe is symbolically abducted by the Murias to the Muria settlement of
the village Kunharbokra. In the evening the king on a charriot is taken
back with due respect by the armed mens of the tribe. The chariot for this
purpose is specially constructed by the Saoras. The nails used are made by
blacksmiths and the responsibility of making the ropes is given to the
Parja tribe.
Each tribal community have their own contrivance of this festival. The
Bastar community celebrate by offering a nine year old girl who is a
weavers daughter is augustly married to the priest of the temple of the
shrine and is then sent into a daze and asked to grant a safe conduct of
the conviviality. The Halba tribe coronate itself in the darbar hall. On
19th day of Navratra, Dussehra Rath (chariot) is radically pulled by the
Maria and Dhruva tribal and a Puja is held wherein 9 girls are worshipped
along with Brahamins who are fed and clothed. The religious, cultural and
tribal influence on this Hindu festival is extremely evident in their
rituals and customs.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Drawing the best dancers from all over the country and is
held against the background of the beautifully lit temples. Held during
the month of February or march this festival celebrates the rich classic
dancing traditions of the country. Varied dance forms of the country are
presented by adroit dancers. This stage acts as a stage for the display of
dancing talents of the country. This seven day aficionado is a famous
festival all over the world.

Tansen Music Festival

Gwalior in the month of November or December plays host
to the annual Indian Classical festival. Tansen's (one of the nine jewels
of Akbar;s court and a great singer) tomb which forms part of the living
cultural and musical heritage of the country in the venue of the event.
Classical singers form all over the land treat people with their night
long sessions of classical ragas and music. Madhya Pradesh has its music
monopoly than any other region in the history of the country. Tansen who
is considered to be a pillar of Hindustani Classic music has his memorial
built on this land. Some of the famous participants belong to the Gwalior
gharana of music. Dhrupad singers of Raja Mansingh's patronage are also
famous.

The Fair of Nagaji

Nearly 400 years ago the land of Madhya Pradesh borne a
saint called as Nagaji. The fair of Nagaji is held to commemorate and pay
respect to him. Every winter (November or December) the Porsa village in
Murena district hold this fair and thousands of tribal attend this fair.
The joviality of this fair continues for about a month and domestic
animals are sold.

Karma

This is a religious festival that is celebrated in the
month of August and is carried out by the Korba tribals of Madhya Pradesh.
A huge celebration goes on and devotees fast for a full day (24 hours).
The branch of the Karma tree is rooted at the center of an open ground and
people sing and dance around it.

Top 5 Reasons to See MP Festivals

Get Drenched In the Festive Mood
The state of Madhya Pradesh provides through its festivals a perfect
chance to explore the real culture and tradition of the state. The
events and activities like cock fighting, carefree revelry and merry
making will mesmerise you to become an ardent follower of the tribal
culture.

Run with your Beloved in Bhagoria Haat
The Bhils and the Bhilal tribes of the state hold a Swayamvar (custom
of choosing one's own groom) where couples after approving their
partner elope an on returning get married. This tradition is practiced
with full vigour and experiencing this with one's own eyes is
remarkable.

Male Chauvinism Bystanding
Tribes of Madhya Pradesh are perhaps the only of their kind who give
such ardent respect to the womenfolk. This is very well represented
in their festivals where women are worshipped. The girls too have the
right to choose their life partners on their own.

Get Classic in the Music Festival
The Tansen musical festival in Gwalior not only gives a chance to the
artists to display heir talent but also the audience to enjoy a night
long event of ecstasy. Named after the music gem of India, Tansen who
was a courtier in Akbar's court, this festival is held in the month of
November and December.

Unconventional Dussehra
The tribes of the state have their own local version of the Dussehra
festival. No where you can find the same celebrations that involves
chariots, chiefs portraying as kings and the mutual effort that is
pooled in by the different tribes to make this festival a memorable
one.

Reveal
a unique cultural heritage in the poetry carved in the temples of
Madhya Pradesh together with the fragrance of Mughal architecture in
Delhi and Agra. Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights Price Starts From: US$ 499